$6M wedding marketplace courted The Knot for 4 years with Janessa White. About This Episode In 2016, Janessa White and her business partner started Simply Eloped, a marketplace that planned elopements and small weddings for couples in 35 cities across the United States. They also decided, before they had a single customer, which company they wanted to sell it to. The Knot Worldwide, the largest wedding platform in the world. Over the next seven years, White told The Knot exactly that, met with their corporate development team every quarter for four years, and shared her revenue and margins with them along the way. When she finally emailed to say she was ready, the letter of intent arrived within a week. On this week's episode of Built to Sell Radio, you'll learn how to: * Pick your acquirer years before you are ready to sell, then build the business backwards from there. * Open your books to a potential buyer without handing them a reason to compete with you. * Set a revenue target based on what gets a strategic buyer's attention rather than your own ambition. * Tell your employees you intend to sell, and get more from them because of it. * Build a data story that survives an interrogation by every specialist in the acquiring company. * Justify the unglamorous cleanup work most owners defer. * Negotiate the one term White says she would change if she could do it again. About The Guest Janessa White. Janessa White is the co-founder and former CEO of Simply Eloped, the company that helped pioneer the modern elopement movement by making intimate weddings simple, affordable, and stress-free. Under her leadership, Simply Eloped grew into the largest elopement planning company in the world, helping thousands of couples celebrate their love in a more meaningful way before being acquired by The Knot Worldwide. Today, Janessa is widely recognized as an innovator in the wedding industry and has been featured in outlets including Brides, Vox, and HuffPost. Every business owner wonders,. "Am I doing the right things for the future?" It's a short, focused process that reveals how prepared your business is for growth or transition - even if you're not planning an exit yet.

The Knot Worldwide teams up with Venmo to enhance gifting for wedding couples. June 15, 2026 In a move set to redefine wedding gift-giving, The Knot Worldwide has announced an integration with Venmo, making it easier for couples and their guests to manage registry cash funds. As of today, users can seamlessly contribute funds through Venmo on The Knot's Wedding Registry, enhancing both the giver and recipient experience. This integration taps into a growing demand for payment solutions that resonate with today's digital-savvy couples. According to a survey by The Knot, about 89% of couples noted that ease of use for their guests was their top priority regarding cash funds, while 68% expressed a desire to track all gifts in one location. The integration of Venmo addresses both needs, streamlining the gifting process into a single, user-friendly platform. Discover more Retail Business Tools Operations Management Software Small Business News "Venmo is widely used and trusted by more than 100 million customers, making it easy for guests to contribute in a way that feels familiar and seamless," says Anu Penmetcha, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Knot Worldwide. "By integrating Venmo into The Knot Wedding Registry, we're removing friction from the gifting experience and helping couples maximize their funds." The integration allows guests to contribute directly from their bank accounts, debit cards, or Venmo balances, creating a familiar payment experience. Couples can now receive funds directly into their Venmo accounts, which can then be used online or at thousands of in-store merchants. For small business owners, particularly those in the wedding industry, this integration presents a new channel for promoting their services. Certainty in transactions can encourage more customers to choose certain types of gifts, such as experiences offered by local businesses. Couples may be more inclined to utilize services like catering, photography, or venue rentals, knowing that their funds are organized and accessible. Further, the ability to track gifts effectively can encourage couples to share their registries on social media or within their wedding planning circles, potentially increasing the visibility of local vendors and services. This added exposure can lead to increased bookings and sales, helping small businesses thrive during wedding season. However, a few challenges arise with this enhanced payment option. The reliance on digital payment platforms may alienate guests who are less tech-savvy or prefer traditional gifting methods. Small business owners should remain vigilant and cater to various customer preferences, ensuring they have alternatives available for those who may not wish to use a digital platform. Moreover, as cash funds are increasingly popular, businesses that wish to capitalize on this trend may need to adjust their offerings. This could involve creating gift card options or special experiences that are appealing to couples looking for something unique. The introduction of a cash fund system may also provoke conversations about the importance of clear communication regarding how gifts will be used, a vital consideration for businesses wanting to maintain relationships with couples. The Knot Worldwide is known for championing seamless planning and unforgettable celebrations across the globe, serving as a trusted resource for couples navigating their wedding experiences. By aligning with Venmo, The Knot enhances its mission to facilitate ease and security within the wedding gifting landscape. For Venmo, the partnership aligns with its role in the evolving landscape of money management among millennials and Gen Z consumers. Citing the integration, Alexis Sowa, General Manager of Venmo, stated, "Venmo has always been part of how people share and celebrate together, and The Knot Worldwide has long set the standard for the wedding industry. Together, we're enhancing the gifting experience by delivering a secure, intuitive solution that meets couples and guests where they already are." Couples can now access these features on The Knot's app, available on both iOS and Android devices. As the wedding industry continues evolving, the partnership stands to make an impact, catering to the needs of couples while streamlining the process for their guests. Discover more Small Business Advice Startup Funding Advice Entrepreneurship Resources For further details, you can refer to the original announcement here. Image Via BizSugar Mike Brown is a small business finance expert and writer dedicated to helping entrepreneurs manage their finances with confidence. With over a decade of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management, Michael has guided countless business owners in improving profitability and achieving financial stability. His insights on business loans, accounting strategies, and expense management have been featured in leading finance publications. Mike's practical advice empowers small business owners to make informed financial decisions. When he's not writing about finance, Mike enjoys playing chess and exploring local history museums.